Sudani welcomes first synod of Syriac Catholic bishops

BAGHDAD, August 17 — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani welcomed the convening of the first Synod of Syriac Catholic Bishops in Iraq on Thursday, during a reception for the Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch in the world, Ignatius Joseph III Yonan, and an accompanying delegation.

A statement from Al-Sudani’s press office read:

This morning, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani received His Holiness Ignatius Joseph III Yonan, the Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch in the world, along with his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Minister of Migration and Displaced Persons.

Mr. Al-Sudani pointed out during the meeting the historic Christian component within the fabric of the Iraqi people. He emphasized that the government includes among its objectives and responsibilities, the sustainability of intellectual and human convergence among all Iraqis, nurturing the noble foundations of peaceful coexistence for all the rich diversity of the Iraqi spectrum, with its cohesion and shared history.

He welcomed the desire of the Synod of Syriac Catholic Bishops in the world to convene for the first time in Iraq in its session for this year, affirming that the broad spectrum of diversity within the Iraqi people, turning it into a source of strength and cultural openness, enhances the cohesion of all the country’s constituents.

On his part, His Holiness the Patriarch expressed his appreciation for the positions of Prime Minister Al-Sudani and his orientations. He emphasized that the recent attempts of sedition by insulting religions and attacking divine books represent only a misguided few. The international community should suppress these offensive voices, which sow animosity and hatred. He also praised his Excellency’s concern for all components of the Iraqi people, especially the youth.